As the NBA playoffs roll along basketball fans are blessed with another exciting night of hoops. We all have a chance to witness greatness as Lebron James and the Lakers look to stave off elimination, Jayson Tatum aims to earn his Celtics a 3-1 series lead, and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder look to move on to the next round. Why not win some money while we're glued to our screens tonight?
Let's take a look at spread, moneyline and total plays to help you beat the books:
Jump To Picks:
Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans
Matchup Page: Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans, 8:30 pm ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +5 (-110) | -190 | O 203.5 (-110) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -5 (-110) | +169 | U 203.5 (-110) |
Pick: OKC -5
Turnovers and inconsistent shooting from deep have plagued the New Orleans Pelicans this postseason. Willie Green's team turned the ball over 20 times in Saturday night's loss and hit on just nine of 32 three-point attempts. New Orleans is dead last in shooting percentage in the NBA playoffs, knocking down only 40.3% of shots.
SGA 🥶
— NBA4ARAB (@NBA4ARAB) April 25, 2024
pic.twitter.com/5yR4wN7NNz
I can't see the struggling Pelicans offense turning it around in Game 4. OKC are too well coached, and have far too many weapons to come up short in this one. Lay the points with the Thunder.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets
Matchup Page: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets, 10:00pm ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | +7 (-110) | +236 | O 217 (-110) |
| Denver Nuggets | -7 (-110) | -271 | U 217 (-110) |
Pick: Lebron James to record 1+ block (-140)
Let's get creative here. I tend to lean toward the Lakers covering the spread tonight and keeping this first round series interesting, but Denver's dominance gives me pause.
Instead let's roll with the ageless wonder, Lebron James to record a block for the seventh straight game. He's looked energized and engaged while remaining the Lakers help defender on the wing.
Lebron's still doing it all for the Lakers in his age-39 season. He won't go out without a fight. Expect a big night, and at least one block from the King in Game 5.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans
Matchup Page: Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans, 8:30 pm ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +5 (-110) | -190 | O 203.5 (-110) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -5 (-110) | +169 | U 203.5 (-110) |
Pick: OKC -5
Oklahoma City has been the best team in the West against the spread all season, and that trend has continued in the playoffs as they’ve covered two of their first three victories against New Orleans. After that Game 1 playoff wake-up call in OKC, this series has been completely one-sided, with the Thunder winning the past two by 32 and 21 points. We expect that trend to continue for the West top seed in a closeout situation in the Big Easy on Monday night.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets
Matchup Page: Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets, 10:00pm ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | +7 (-110) | +156 | O 209.5 (-110) |
| Denver Nuggets | -7 (-110) | -186 | U 209.5 (-110) |
Pick: Denver -7
The spread feels a little large, to be honest, but the Nuggets covered as 6.5-point favorites in Game 1 and now have the opportunity to close out the Lakers against a similar number at home. While Los Angeles beat Denver in Game 3, the Nuggets had won 11 straight over the Lakers before that--further evidence of the gulf between these two teams. And it’s tough to go against the Nuggets at home with a chance to eliminate LeBron James and company.
